Patagonia Skiing & Ski Touring

The best time of year for skiing in Patagonia is from July to August. This is the height of winter and when snowfall is most reliable. Schools break up for winter holidays for 2 weeks in July so be wary of crowds if you're travelling at this time.

Resort-based - For those who prefer to ski in bounds and enjoy a pisco sour on the slopes there are a number of resorts situated near Santiago, Bariloche and in the Chilean Lake District.

Touring - The Chilean Andes are scattered with both active and dormant volacnoes. For adventure seekers, it is possible to hike up and ski down them in the winter. In areas like the Nahuel Huapi National Park near Bariloche, you can ski between a network of backcountry mountain huts.

Heli Skiing/CAT Skiing - The High Andes of South America offer remote, big mountain ski opportunities. Heliski operators based out of Santiago and Bariloche can provide the logistics to support your trip upon request. Baguales Mountain Reserve in Nahuel Huapi National Park has 25,000 acres of CAT skiing terrain which can be explored from a luxury lodge hidden in the mountains.

Ski trips in Patagonia can be tailored to your needs and desires. To combine a number of volcanos it is best to allow 2 weeks. Shorter trips lasting just 1 week can be arranged if you prefer to base yourself from a resort.

If you plan to ski tour then previous experience is necessary. You should be comfortable skiing off-piste with AT or Telemark bindings and fixing your own skins. Trips can vary to incorporate simpler climbs if you are relatively new to the discipline. If you plan to base yourself from a resort then most have international ski schools which provide English-speaking instructors.

For any ski touring or off-piste ski trips it is highly recommended that your provide your own equipment. If you plan to ski inbounds then equipment can be rented from the resort however ski rental shops in South America lack diversity and their equipment can be dated.

Ski Boots

Randonnee -There are a range of good boots on the market. Generally, the 
lighter boots are more comfortable for walking, while the heavier boots are not quite so comfortable but provide better skiing control. Garmont, Dynafit, Lowa and Scarpa seem to be the most popular brands these days. Most, if not all, of these companies have models specifically designed to fit women. 

Telemark - Scarpa, Crispi, Garmont are all excellent. If you use telemark gear be sure your boot crampons can be fitted to your boots. 


Many people like to combine their Patagonian ski experience with a wine tour in the vineyards south of Santiago or in Mendoza. As you will likely be flying in and out of either Santiago or Buenos Aires, you can extend your trip in these cities with guided walking tours. In the Chilean Lake District, you can choose to relax in one of the health retreats or spas situated around the volcanic hot springs. And further south in Los Glaciares or Torres del Paine National Parks, there are winter hiking trips for you to join.